The Importance of Accurate Slug Pellet Application – and Why Equipment Maintenance Matters
Slugs remain one of the most persistent and costly pests in UK arable farming. From newly drilled cereals to emerging oilseed rape, these silent grazers can cause significant crop losses in a matter of days. With increasing environmental scrutiny and tighter regulation on metaldehyde and ferric phosphate pellet use, accurate and responsible slug pellet application has never been more important.
Precision Application Protects Crops – and Compliance
Accurate slug pellet application is about more than just pest control. It’s central to protecting the environment, ensuring compliance with stewardship schemes, and safeguarding the long-term sustainability of slug control options.
Modern pellets are designed to work effectively at low dose rates, meaning every pellet counts. Even minor inaccuracies in spreading can lead to under- or over-application:
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Under-application leaves parts of the field unprotected, allowing slugs to thrive.
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Over-application increases the risk of run-off into watercourses and breaches of stewardship guidelines.
To achieve even, consistent coverage across the field, the calibration, setup, and maintenance of your application equipment is critical.
Why Regular Equipment Checks Are Essential
Application machinery – whether mounted, trailed, or self-propelled – must be kept in optimal condition to perform accurately. Components such as metering systems, spreader plates, and fans can wear over time or become partially blocked, leading to uneven distribution.
Regular checks should include:
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Calibration tests before each season and when changing pellet type or size.
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Visual inspections for wear on outlets, deflectors, and spinners.
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Cleaning and maintenance after use to prevent corrosion and build-up.
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Testing spread pattern in-field or using trays to confirm accuracy.
Techneat recommends following manufacturer service schedules and replacing worn parts promptly. Simple maintenance can make the difference between an accurate, compliant application and wasted product or environmental risk.
Techneat: Built for Accuracy and Reliability
At Techneat, we design and manufacture precision application systems trusted by growers across the UK.
Our Outcast V2 and Outcast Duo machines are engineered to deliver consistent, even pellet application at all working widths and rates – giving you confidence in every pass.
Each unit is built for reliability in the field, with easy calibration and simple servicing to help operators maintain peak performance season after season.
In Summary
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Accurate slug pellet application ensures effective slug control, compliance, and environmental protection.
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Regular calibration and maintenance of application equipment are essential for even distribution and long-term reliability.
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Tecneat applicators are designed with precision and simplicity in mind – helping you apply with confidence.
For more information on maintaining your Techneat applicator, contact our team at www.techneat.co.uk or give us a call on 01353 862044.